Island hopping in Greece is one of Europe’s most iconic travel experiences — a patchwork of whitewashed villages, turquoise coves, dramatic cliffs, and sun-drenched afternoons that unfold at a blissfully unhurried pace. Whether you’re after nightlife, quiet beaches, traditional villages or cinematic sunsets, the Greek islands make it easy to build an itinerary that feels tailored to you. With reliable ferries, short flights, and a huge range of boutique places to stay, hopping between islands is far easier than people expect. Here’s how to plan it, how to move around, and ten unique stays worth adding to your trip.
How to Get Around the Greek Islands
The two main ways to island hop are by ferry and short domestic flights, with ferries being the more scenic and classic option.
Ferries connect nearly all major island groups — especially the Cyclades — and run frequently during high season. Fast ferries can be surprisingly efficient, cutting down travel times between islands like Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini. Slower boats are more spacious and have open decks, ideal for taking in Aegean views.
Domestic flights link the larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Santorini. They’re perfect if you want to cover large distances quickly or start your trip in one region and finish in another.
Once you’re on each island, getting around is easy. Scooters and quad bikes are everywhere, car rentals are simple, and local buses often cover the main beaches and towns. Each island has its own rhythm — some fast and cosmopolitan, others sleepy and remote — but transportation is straightforward across the board.
Choosing an Island-Hopping Route
The Cyclades
The most popular cluster for first-timers: think Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos. Great beaches, nightlife, food, scenery and charming villages.
The Dodecanese
Rhodes, Kos, Symi — warm, colourful, slightly more relaxed than the Cyclades, with strong cultural heritage.
The Ionian
Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos — greener, lusher, with dramatic coastline and rich Venetian history.
The Sporades
Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos — pine forests, turquoise water, and quieter atmospheres.
Think of it like building a mood board: nightlife + beaches? Culture + slow travel? Dramatic landscapes? Each region has its own personality.
10 Unique Places to Stay in Greece
These stays are chosen for being characterful, beautifully designed, well-reviewed, and memorable — the kind of places that elevate a Greek island trip from good to unforgettable.
1. Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa – Kos
A serene adults-only boutique escape with refined interiors, excellent service and a contemporary aesthetic. Ideal if you want luxury without the crowds.
2. Cavo Olympo Luxury Hotel & Spa – Plaka Litochoro (Mainland, near Mt Olympus)
Carved into cliffs overlooking the sea, this stay mixes dramatic scenery with a high-design atmosphere. A perfect base if you want a non-island stop that still feels coastal and cinematic.
3. Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel – Milos
Known for its minimalist white architecture and endless sea views, Milos Breeze has infinity-pool perfection and a calm, romantic atmosphere. Milos is ideal for explorers and photographers.
4. Mystique, a Luxury Cave Hotel – Santorini
A cave-style hotel built into the cliffs with breathtaking caldera views. Rooms feel organic and sculptural, and sunsets are otherworldly.
5. Parilio – Paros
A design-forward, earthy, modern hotel set among Paros’ soft landscapes. Warm neutrals, stone finishes and slow luxury define this stay.
6. Naxian On The Beach – Naxos
A true beachfront boutique stay with bohemian interiors and an intimate, laid-back vibe. Ideal for couples wanting quiet luxury and long beach days.
7. Tholaria Boutique Hotel – Astypalaia
A hidden-gem island and a hidden-gem hotel. Traditional Cycladic charm meets boutique comfort with panoramic views of Astypalaia’s iconic hilltop castle.
8. Olea All Suite Hotel – Zakynthos
A modern, lagoon-style hotel set on soft hillsides with calming earth tones and beautifully sculpted architecture. Perfect for a wellness-leaning island escape.
9. Kapsaliana Village Hotel – Crete
A restored historical village transformed into an elegant boutique retreat. Stone houses, olive groves, timeless interiors — perfect for travellers who love culture and tranquillity.
10. Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites – Folegandros
A cliffside hotel with incredible views and a quiet atmosphere. The island feels untouched and slow — ideal for travellers wanting something unique and peaceful.
The Bottom Line
Island hopping in Greece offers complete freedom — the ability to move at your own pace, explore islands with entirely different personalities, and stay in places that feel special, intimate and beautifully designed. With easy ferry links, short flights and an incredible range of stylish boutique hotels, planning a Greek island trip is far simpler than it looks. Whether you want buzzy villages or remote coves, whitewashed minimalism or dramatic cliffs, Greece has an island (and a perfect stay) for every style of traveller.
